Becky said:
I think perhaps the previous suggestion about prompting members to give more information might help solve this problem, here's the link:
https://www.gardenpondforum.com/topic/11920-posting-water-quality-general-pond-info/
What do you think? Could always add to the list a bit about algae too?
I like it and agree with Mmathis.
Stickys can be extremely helpful, but they will not necessarily reduce the frequency of basic questions being asked.
The problem when being introduced to something foreign like a hobby, language, or the like, are the basics and understanding the basics written in a straightforward manner,
without talking down to readers like they are in kindergarten, in a matter of fact manner. The problem solvers needing to know the pond owner's basic information, which all of it is quite basic, leads to better solutions. Although, the treatment solutions to water quality parameter problems and algae problems is always the same with a choice of static options, irrregardless of the owner's pond. Although, I think it is a bit more complicated in choosing filtration since the pond's space and owner's goals then come into the picture.
Regardless of the sticky info, I don't think this will reduce the frequency that we see particular threads still being created, but I do think they still are helpful since I think the problem is the lack of
concise and organized info.
Ultimately, the problem is that everyone believes their problem is unique, since this hobby might be quite foreign to them, so this means the author believes their problem requires a unique solution. The only facet I think this actually would be true would be in regards to filtration. Otherwise, the treatment solutions to water quality parameter problems and algae problems is always the same with a choice of static options, irrregardless of the owner's pond, space, and goals.
I garantee the author of a new algae thread will find their answer in a thread on forum page 1 or page 2, due to the very high frequency of these type of threads asked so much. I know, even with a sticky or special Q&A process, they will still want to post their question due to how the poster believe's their particular situation is quite unique, wherein it actually is not. I think it is human nature to act like this when dealing with something foreign since everything actually feels unique to them. This is another reason why I agree so much with what Mmathis has suggested, that is to give the idea to the author of what information to share.
I think most folk actually do read more and find their answers on their own, but, in particular, we are talking about folk that are not like this and simply just want to cut to the chase or just could not find the answer possibly due to the keywords being used during a google search due to simply not knowing what to ask. So, I know, even if there were a sticky or special Q&A process, they will still want to post their question. I don't have a problem with this since I enjoy talking with folk, but this also means that I think a question does not deserve an answer simply due to someone posting a question.
However, generally, I do believe forums could do a better job at better organizing and presenting the information in a concise manner. Also, which I hope I don't get into trouble for saying, I think the moderators of forums are generally just as lazy for not doing this, but, I can somewhat understand them not doing it since it is time consuming just as it is for everyone else to read.
Everyone believes " their " problem is urgent. If their fish die or pond gets filled up with algae, then this absolutely does
not indicate their hardwork on the pond has gone down the drain. Sure, it is dissappointing to see, but this dissapointment is often created due to a severe misunderstanding of the hobby, that is everything will just stay pretty and nice. The idea of " every problem is so very urgent that it demands response as soon as possible " is quite silly, unless the owner has bought some GC (grand champion) koi for a few thousand dollars, while them self being quite foreign to the pond hobby.
When doing something that is "new and foreign", it tests our patience and significantly increases apprehension. Don't let angst get the best of ya. Take a few steps back, breathe, grab a beer or a glass of wine, put some peanut butter on the neighbor's dog's nose for a good laugh, and then reapproach to start doing some reading.
Then, if the reader truely does not understand nor what to do, then they should not be afraid to ask questions. There are many helpful folk here so the question will get answered one way or another. There's also nothing wrong with PM's.
